UPFRONT

MENASHA, WI—Larry Panozzo, president of Banta’s $1 billion print sector, has resigned to pursue other interests. “Although I am personally disappointed, I respect and accept Larry’s decision. We will miss his deep knowledge, passion and leadership,” states Stephanie Streeter, Banta’s president and CEO. Panozzo had been with Banta since 1988. A spokesperson for Banta says the company’s “succession process” has already begun to fill the position.

Courier Corp. Buys Web Press

KENDALLVILLE, IN—Courier Corp. has purchased a new four-unit MAN Roland LITHOMAN IV web offset press that is scheduled for installation and startup by next spring. The 48-page LITHOMAN will feature a web width of 57.48˝ and a 22.75˝ cutoff. The top speed of the new press is 35,000 iph.

Vertis Names Group Presidents

BALTIMORE—Dave Colatriano and Tom Zimmer will assume the expanded roles of group president, Vertis East, and group president, Vertis West, respectively. The creation of these new positions comes as a result of the company’s decision to focus on an integrated management structure of sales and operations, and several business units of the company will now report on an East/West basis to Colatriano and Zimmer.

Direct Marketing Plants Unified

TORONTO—Transcontinental Printing has united its direct marketing printing activities and related services in Canada and the U.S. under the new brand Transcontinental Direct. The three Transcontinental Direct plants were formerly known as Yorkville Printing in Toronto, Interglobe Montreal and Spectra Graphics in Warminster, PA. Each of these production plants is a one-stop shop capable of handling all components of a customer’s direct mail package, including prepress, printing, ink-jet and laser personalization, in-line and off-line finishing, bindery and letter shop.

Presstek Files Patent Lawsuit

HUDSON, NH—Presstek has initiated a patent infringement suit against Fuji Photo Film for allegedly violating Presstek’s patents pertaining to its lithographic printing plates. The suit was filed in Germany. The infringing product is being manufactured for Heidelberg by Fuji. According to Presstek, the initiation of this action is not expected to effect Presstek’s recently announced OEM agreement, or its relationship, with Heidelberg.